Do you want to know how to use a standing desk effectively when sitting and standing? There are a few crucial things to keep an eye out for.

It is worthwhile to invest the time to research and learn the best practices so you can get the most out of your new purchase and operate as ergonomically and comfortably as possible.

So, you have finally made the decision, done your research, and bought a standing desk for your home office. How can you know whether you are utilizing it properly now?

While working, there are numerous aspects to consider whether you are sitting or standing. Everything from your posture to how you type to the angle of your monitor or computer screen can have a significant impact on your workplace wellness. 

We have put together a list of items to keep an eye on while standing at your height-adjustable desk.

Standing

The ability to stand regularly throughout the day is the most obvious benefit of a standing desk. 

Standing at your desk was nearly unheard of only a decade ago, but we now recognize the health benefits of breaking up extended periods of sedentary work. So, what should you be aware of while standing and working?

Adjust the Elbow Height to the Proper Level

To begin, raise the desk to a height that allows you to bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. 

This is significant because it reduces the amount of strain on your arms, wrists, and hands by allowing your wrists to hover over the keyboard rather than bending up and down while you type.

Ensure That Posture is Correct

Standing posture is crucial and central to a healthy and ergonomic working experience if you will be standing for long amounts of time. 

To provide correct back support, stand straight with your shoulders relaxed, neck stretched, and lumbar curvature slightly curved, in addition to resting your elbows at a 90-degree angle.

To avoid hyperextension or locking your knees, which could result in blood circulation being cut off, bend your knees slightly. This also relieves pressure on your knee joints and helps you stay upright by activating the supporting muscles around your knee.

Alignment of the Wrist

This is necessary to avoid long-term issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Maintain a neutral wrist position. As you type, your hands should glide over the keyboard, with your fingers stretching down but never bending up or down.

A wrist pad for your keyboard can help with this by providing support and making it simpler to maintain your wrists straight and neutral when typing. 

Using a reliable, tried-and-true mechanical keyboard can also make things easier on your hands by allowing you to type more slowly and comfortably.

Using an Anti-Fatigue Mat to Help You Stay in Shape

Standing stationary might be boring, so use a balance board to spice things up! This allows you to shift your weight and exercise your leg muscles, which reduces knee discomfort and turns standing at work into a more "kinetic" activity that burns more calories. Try FlexiSpot's Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mat MT1 right now!

A soft, fluffy anti-fatigue mat can make all the difference in decreasing stress and soreness on your knee joints, especially if you have tile or hardwood flooring. 

An anti-fatigue mat lessens the force of gravity pushing you down against the hard floor, making standing much more comfortable.

Of course, sitting and resting are just as vital as standing, so you will want to understand how to use your desk ergonomically while working and sitting down. Take a look at some of these suggestions for sitting smartly and comfortably during the day.

Heighten your Chair

If you have an ergonomic chair, make sure it is set to the correct seated height before adjusting your desk. Your legs should be at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor, just like your elbows.

Adjust your cushion's height so that it is parallel to the bottom of your knees. Between the end of the cushion and where your knees bend, there should be roughly a fist's worth of space.

Adjusting Elbow Height at the Right Level

For best ergonomic comfort, your elbows should be bent at 90 degrees, just like when you are standing. Lower your desk to the ideal height for your arms to rest comfortably and your wrist to float over the keyboard, not bending up or down as you type once your chair is properly adjusted.

Seating Position

Your chair should be contoured to assist your natural lumbar curvature for the best posture. Keep your shoulders relaxed and down, and your neck stretched, to avoid slouching or working slumped over.

Height of Monitor or Laptop Screen

Raising your monitor or laptop screen to eye level is a good idea. Close your eyes first and then stare straight ahead to see whether this is true. 

After you have opened them, check to see if you are able to stare directly at your screen or if you need to bend your neck slightly up or down.

If your monitor does not have an extension function built-in, you can prop it up on a box or a stack of books. 

An adjustable monitor arm, on the other hand, takes the guesswork out of it by allowing you to make quick and easy changes throughout the day to keep your screen at eye level, whether you are sitting or standing.

Final Words

Join the growing number of professionals who are updating their workstations with sit-stand desks, whether at work or home. It will change the way you work and provide you with increased focus and energy when you need it the most. 

You will get the most out of your adjustable-height desk if you follow these basic guidelines, whether you are sitting or standing!